Incident Overview
On final approach, the airplane's engine lost power approximately 100 yards short of the runway and subsequently impacted trees. According to the pilot, he realized he had made an error and had not switched to the full fuel tank. He switched tanks, but the engine did not restart. The airplane was described as being "low and slow," but the pilot believed he could still reach the runway. The airplane struck the top of a tree and fell to the ground.
Wreckage Examination
Examination of the wreckage revealed that both fuel tanks were breached, and no fuel was observed in either tank. The fuel selector was found in the left tank position.
Pilot Statement
In the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the pilot stated, "...this accident could have been avoided by following 'GUMP' [gas-under carriage-mixture-prop] to the letter."